New Judicial Facilities To Bear Gvra In Mind

The Green Valley Redevelopment Area Committee will play a large role in the establishment of the renovated justice facilities on the corner of Main Street and Highway 87.

Gila County Supervisor Tommie Martin visited with the GVRA yesterday, Thursday, answering questions of the committee concerning the new jail and courthouse project.

Andy Towle/Roundup

Tommie Martin, Gila County Supervisor, answered questions from the
Green Valley Redevelopment Area Committee concerning the new jail
and courthouse project.

Martin said that concept plans including sketches, models and an estimation of the necessary space for the project will be in order as early as Aug. 7.

The actual building design will be a project to be undertaken with architects and designers and all relevant town entities, Martin said.

"It's (the residents of Payson's) building," Martin said. "I want us to say how it is."

Martin said that if a bond issue on the November ballot concerning the finance of the facilities is approved by voters, the buildings could be completed as soon as three years.

If the measure fails, the town could have to wait as long as 10 years for appropriate funding to be generated.

Martin said that the building would work in conjunction with the design efforts of the Main Street Merchants Guild and the GVRA and any other applicable parties, to keep the theme of Main Street in concert.

"It's important that the design fits Main Street," she said.

While Martin stressed that no designs have been created, nor will be created without appropriate input from all parties involved, she said that the building could be a focal point of Main Street.

"We're not going to pour a big gray building and write ‘Jail' on it," she said. "I'm not going to allow it."

GVRA and facilities planning committee member Ken Volz expressed hope the jail and courthouse buildings would become an asset for the community.

"There are some incredible opportunities there to create a center, a heart for Payson," he said.